Bhutan, Oct. 22 -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $17.42 million to help Bhutan protect vulnerable families from rising food and energy costs and maintain essential public services as the Middle East conflict puts pressure on the country's economy. The financing supports the Government of Bhutan's $267.88 million Anti-Crisis Action Plan, a government expenditure program designed to mitigate the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. ADB's support, provided through the Enhancing Resilience with Countercyclical Expenditures Program, includes a $13.45 million grant from the Asian Development Fund and a $3.97 million loan from ADB's ordinary capital resources.Bhutan is particularly vulnerable to the impact of conflict becau...